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Wednesday, April 6, 2016

CamelBak®: Hydration Products Review

My
first encounter with CamelBak was back in 1999 during my first deployment in
the Middle East. It was a military standard issue hydration backpack that every
U.S service member must have. It was a lifesaving equipment for us, especially
on days when the temperature can rise up to130oF. Staying hydrated
on a harsh condition like the desert is a must, you definitely don’t want to be
a casualty or a liability to your group because you didn’t take care of
yourself. That’s how important hydration is…thanks to CamelBak.

If
you’re not familiar with CamelBak on how it all started, here’s a little background
for you: CamelBak was founded in 1989 by Michael Eidson. The idea began when he
was competing in “Hotter ‘n Hell 100”
bike race in Wichita Falls, Texas. Yes, 100 miles in the gruesome summer heat
of Texas. Since there were only few places to refill, Eidson being an EMT by
trade made a contraption. He filled an IV bag with water and stuck it in a tube
sock then pinned it on the back of his jersey. He then pulled the IV tube over
his shoulder and secured it with a clothes pin. From that idea, a hands free
hydration system was born! From that humbling experience and innovation, CamelBak
produced their first product, known as the “ThermalBak”.
That’s it…the rest is history.

Over
the years, CamelBak has produced different hydration systems and I was fortunate
enough to review few of their products that are currently hitting the market
today.

Below
are the items that I’m going to review. So to make things easy, I did a side by
side comparison so you can see things in one glance. Please click on the table to make it bigger.

Quick Grip™ Chill

Features

-
A handheld hydration system that utilizes bottle as a source of hydration.

-
It comes with an expandable zippered pouch that lets you carry your running
essentials like keys, card, energy gel and phone.

-
Adjustable cinch strap for secure grip.

-
Key clip.

Functionality

My
short runs normally consist of 4 to 6 miles on a bike trail with nothing along
the course. I’ve been using the Quick Grip for a few days now and I love the
fact that it’s so easy to use, basically it’s my “grab and go” hydration. The 21 oz insulated bottle provides more
than enough hydration during those runs. I basically don’t carry hydration on
shorter runs but its better safe than sorry. A gentle squeeze is all I need in
getting a sip. But if I needed more than a sip, a firm squeeze is all it takes
and it will deliver a nice stream of water that lets me drink quickly without the
feel of getting choke. I didn’t even bother to use the lock during the run and not
even a leak came out. But it’s nice to have the lock mechanism as well in the
event of accidentally squeezing the bottle. What I liked most was that it kept
my fluid nice and cold for the duration of my run, this is nice especially on
hotter days. The zippered pouch has enough stretch to get my Nexus 5 phone inside
and a small pocket in front of the pouch to get at least one gel in. CamelBak
wants us to be safe so they put the longitudinal reflective material along the
cinch strap that shines on when hit by a light, it’s an added safety features
for those early morning runs or some late night runs. The cinch strap gives additional
grip around my hand so there’s no need to apply my gorilla grip on the bottle.
I didn’t have any discomfort from the cinch strap unlike other runners, I
personally found it comfortable and easy to use, just a quick tap along the
belt loop to loosen and pull if I need it to tighten and it locks in place.

The
only one bad thing that I can say is that larger phones (like the Samsung
Galaxy or iPhone 6) may not be able to fit in the pouch. Also, if you haven’t tried
running with something in your hand, just be aware that carrying some extra
weight can be tiring, so I suggest that you switch hands once in a while to
prevent your arms from getting numb or tight.

My
Verdict

Overall,
I’m very impressed with the Quick Grip. If you’re just heading out for a quick
and short run, then this is the one to grab. You can even use this bottle in
cycling, just take out the pouch and you’re ready to go, so this basically
serves a dual purpose. Very convenient, lightweight and simple to use…a hydration
system right in your hand.

-
It comes with a zippered cargo pocket that lets you carry your running
essentials like keys, card, energy gels, cash and phone.

-
Adjustable strap for better / comfortable fit.

-
Side cinch with dual adjust.

-
Back reflectivity for visibility.

-
Key clip.

Functionality

If
you are the type of runner who probably might not like holding anything on your
hands while running, then this is one of the products that you may want to consider.
It’s a waist belt type hydration system that utilizes the same 21 oz Podium
Chill Insulated bottle like the Quick Grip but comes with a much larger zippered pocket
to accommodate phone and some running essentials. Getting things out of the
pocket can sometimes lead to your keys falling out, so they added the key clip
to prevent that from happening. Taking out and putting back the 21 oz bottle
from my back was easy and convenient that I don’t have to do some arm twisting.
Initially, I thought that there would be some bouncing issue especially when
the water is full and the possibility of bottle thrusting out from the cage
when it’s empty, I was surprised that none of those happened and it’s totally
bounce free The dual adjustment strap is long enough for my waist and this
could also accommodate runners that may have a bit larger waist too. Pulling
the dual strap together to get proper fit is so easy, it stayed perfectly in
place around my waist without the feeling of too constricting and not being
chafed. The mesh lining plays a big role in wicking moisture out and prevents
the sweat from building up on my back

Other
feature that I think is worth mentioning is that the bottle cage is tilted
sideways to the right, that means I have no choice but to use my right hand only
to get the bottle in and out. I’m left handed but this was not a challenge for
me, but for some runners that might have some dexterity issue then this is one
important feature that you need to consider.

My
Verdict

Bottom
line, this is totally awesome alternative hydration if you don’t like holding
anything in your hand and has a little bit more extra room to carry your running
essentials. It’s definitely one of my choices when going long distance, the
fact that I’m not holding anything on my hand makes my running much easier and
convenient.

-
Center cinch fit system designed to prevent water from sloshing and close to
your body.

-
Front and back reflectivity for visibility.

-
Key Clip.

Functionality

Let
me say this first, this is not a fanny pack, maybe the idea, but the
functionality is definitely beyond the fanny pack. CamelBak calls this a waist
pack type system. It utilizes a hydration system called the Antidote Lumbar
reservoir (aka bladder) that holds 1.5L of fluid. It has two large zippered
cargos that measure 200 cu inches of storage. The main cargo, (i.e. closer to
the back) where the bladder is, has the most room for any running essentials
that you may want to throw inside. The second cargo (just a bit smaller in
size) has two separate fishnet type compartments inside for a more organized
placement of items. Inside the second cargo is a nifty tether that you can clip
your keys to in order to prevent them from falling out when you're digging
through the bag looking for a gel.

The
back has a mesh lining for better moisture management and is well-padded for
comfort. The tube comes with a clip that goes over my shoulder and basically
attach it on my shirt and close to my mouth for drinking.

With
this much storage space, I can basically throw in even the “not so” essential items when I’m
running. So to test it out, I stuffed it as much items that I can possibly
think of like my phone, snacks, gels, arm warmers, lightweight jacket, keys,
wallet and filling the bladder on full capacity. With all these stuff inside, I
still have some extra room in it after all. I head out and went for a short run
and I found it a little bouncy, the pack tends to sag backward from the top although
I already pulled the cinch strap to tighten it and get it close to my body. But
one thing I noticed is that if I just put it up my waist and tighten the belt
strap and the cinch strap, that it minimizes the bounce. With all these stuff
in me, I really don’t expect that I will be able to run on a fast pace, not
even a decent pace. So on my second run, I tested it with just my running
essentials like phone and two gels and completely filled the bladder, I can say
that it’s much comfortable and once the fluid started to get low, all I do was pull
the side cinch to make it flat and get it closer to my body to avoid the
bounce.

My
Verdict

CamelBak
took a different approach on the waist pack system, and FlashFlo is definitely
a unique type of hydration system out in the market today. Is it a hit? Maybe…or
maybe not. It really depends on how you plan to use it. In my humble opinion,
this is not really ideal for running and it will probably just frustrate you
while you run because of all that bounce, however, that can be prevented if you
carry less items with you. I know what you’re thinking, then why did CamelBak
produced this so much large capacity if it’s not getting utilized? Well, CamelBak
might be thinking that it can be used for something else like trekking, hiking
or brisk walking in which you don’t have to create so much bounce. I don’t think
the design and functionality of FlashFlo is a flawed, just be aware on how you
intend to use it…surely not for running.

-
A vest type hydration system that utilizes Antidote Reservoir (bladder) as a
source of hydration.

-
The bladder utilizes a ¼ turn cap and wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning.

-
It comes with two pockets for storing water bottles in front.

-
It comes with a patented Big Bite Valve and HydroGuard technology and PureFlow
tube for ease of drinking.

-
It comes with a sweat proof pockets on the strap that lets you carry your phone
and other running essentials.

-
A dual sternum straps provide a snug and adjustable fit.

-
Dual side cinch fit system designed to prevent water from sloshing and close to
your body.

-
Front and back reflectivity for visibility.

Functionality

This
is my favorite so far! It’s one of CamelBak’s lightest running vests hydration
system that utilizes a 1.5L Antidote Reservoir. Smaller and lighter than the
Marathoner and Ultra, the Circuit still holds plenty of running essentials close
at hand. Don’t be mistaken by its size, CamelBak has really put a lot of
thoughts and ideas on the Circuit. This is definitely geared for runners going
for longer distances or marathon training that provides less weight for runners
to carry. If the 1.5L is not enough, the shoulder strap comes equipped with two
additional pockets for storing extra water bottles in front. A sweat-proof
pocket for phone, card, keys and one stretchable compartment to for gels and
electrolyte tabs.

I
tested the Circuit in one of my long runs and I was totally surprised with how
much comfortable it was. One of the best features on the Circuit is that it
sits high on my shoulder, making it feels like it’s connected to my body.
Thanks to the dual sternum straps that provided the extra snug and adjustable
fit on my back and chest. Once the water started to get low, I adjusted the
dual side cinch to make it flatter and

closer to my back,
this prevents from bouncing and sloshing of water which could sometimes be
annoying. Despite all the snugness and tightening I did during the run, it
still allows me to be comfortable and move as if nothing is with me. The back
panel was constructed with enormous layer of breathable mesh that prevents my
back from turning into a waterfall.

My
Verdict

In
my opinion, CamelBak hits a home run with the Circuit, not too bulky and heavy.
This is very ideal for long training runs and races that will allow you to run
fast and not bog you down. The only bad thing I can say about the Circuit is
that the phone pocket is a bit small so some newer / larger phones may not be able to
fit in. But this can be remedied anyhow by utilizing the other bottle holder instead.
So this may not be a big deal and you don’t have to worry about the balance of
the vest if you end up using one bottle. I found it stable using just one bottle
regardless on where I put it, however, be prepared to hear the sloshing sound from the
bottle during the run. This might drive some runners gaga so just be ready for that.

My Overall Assessment

With all these products I reviewed, I was really impressed with CamelBak. Their name
is synonymous with QUALITY, they
devoted so much time in designing and utilizing every inch they can get to give
the consumers what they expect from the brand. From materials to zippers to
ease of cleaning to straps to safety, I think CamelBak got it all pack in every
hydration system that consumers will surely love and appreciate.

CamelBak
stands behind their products …below is a quick video on how they test (abuse)
their products in the laboratory. They would rather have their equipment fail
in the lab instead on the real world.

Video Credit: CamelBak

Like
they say: CamelBak® Got Your Bak™
Guarantee: If we built it, we'll Bak it™ with our lifetime guarantee.

Thanks for reading. I love to hear your feedback so feel free to post below.

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About Finish Line Fever

Finish Line Fever is created and authored by Ferdinand Batatan. I'm just a regular guy like most of you who enjoys being active. Born and raised in the Philippines and migrated to the United States after finishing my college. I served in the U.S. Air Force and more importantly, I am a husband and father of two beautiful kids.